1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise (you can keep them whole if they’re small).
Place them cut-side up on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, gently score the flesh in a crisscross pattern — make shallow cuts, about ⅛ inch deep, without slicing all the way through.
3. Season Generously
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter or olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Brush the mixture generously over the scored surfaces of the potatoes, making sure the butter and seasonings seep into the cuts.
4. Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the potatoes cut-side up on the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on their size, until the tops are crispy and golden and the inside is soft and fluffy.
Halfway through baking, you can brush them with a little extra butter for an even richer flavor and deeper color.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the potatoes with fresh herbs — parsley, thyme, or rosemary add a perfect touch of freshness. If you’d like, top with Parmesan or bacon bits while still hot so they melt slightly.
Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
🧑🍳 Tips for the Best Results
Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes — they hold their shape and get crispier.
Don’t skip the scoring: This technique allows the seasonings and fat to penetrate deep into the potato, ensuring maximum flavor.
Space them out: Give the potatoes room on the pan so they roast, not steam.
Add cheese at the end: Parmesan or cheddar should be added during the last 10 minutes for that golden, cheesy crust.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal prep, maximum flavor: Just slice, season, and bake.
Crispy and buttery: The scored tops soak up all the seasoning for extra crunch and taste.
Versatile: Pair with steak, chicken, fish, or serve as a party snack.
Visually stunning: The crosshatch design makes them look gourmet with no extra effort.
🥄 Serving Ideas
Dinner side: Perfect with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Snack platter: Serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or sour cream.
Brunch option: Add eggs and avocado for a hearty morning meal.
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Simple Sheet Pan Scored Potatoes prove that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a knife, a few pantry staples, and an oven, you can create crispy, golden potatoes that steal the spotlight at any meal.
They’re rustic yet elegant, easy yet impressive — the kind of dish that makes everyone ask, “How did you make these?”
So next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, grab your sheet pan and score some spuds. You’ll love how something so simple can taste so extraordinary.
